Normal Transferrin Levels: Credible Resources
I cannot provide you with a specific website for normal liver transferrin levels because transferrin is not a "liver-specific" test—it is a serum protein synthesized by the liver that is measured in blood, not liver tissue directly. The question appears to contain a conceptual misunderstanding.
What Transferrin Actually Measures
Transferrin is a blood transport protein for iron, and "normal transferrin levels" refer to serum transferrin concentration, not "liver transferrin levels." 1
- Transferrin is measured in serum/plasma as part of iron studies 1
- It is synthesized by the liver but circulates systemically 2
- The clinically relevant measurements are:
- Serum transferrin concentration (typically reported in mg/dL or g/L)
- Transferrin saturation (TS) - the percentage of transferrin binding sites occupied by iron 1
Normal Reference Ranges
Normal transferrin saturation is typically <45-50% in adults. 1, 3
- Females: Transferrin saturation >45% is considered elevated 1
- Males: Transferrin saturation >50% is considered elevated 1
- Serum transferrin concentration normal range is laboratory-specific but typically 200-360 mg/dL 2
Where to Find Credible Reference Ranges
For authoritative normal ranges, consult these high-quality guideline sources:
Primary Guideline Sources:
- EASL (European Association for the Study of the Liver) Clinical Practice Guidelines on Haemochromatosis (Journal of Hepatology, 2022) - provides detailed reference ranges for transferrin saturation and recommends measuring it as part of iron studies 1
- British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines on Management of Abnormal Liver Blood Tests (Gut, 2018) - recommends simultaneous serum ferritin and transferrin saturation as part of standard liver aetiology screening 1
Clinical Context:
Transferrin levels vary significantly in liver disease:
- In cirrhosis, transferrin is often decreased (<180 mg/dL associated with worse prognosis) 2
- In alcoholic liver disease, transferrin may be reduced while ferritin is elevated 4, 5
- Transferrin <180 mg/dL predicts significantly worse transplant-free survival in cirrhosis patients 2
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse transferrin concentration with transferrin saturation—these are different measurements. 1
- Transferrin saturation = (serum iron ÷ total iron binding capacity) × 100% 1
- This ratio is more clinically useful than absolute transferrin levels for detecting iron overload 1
Your laboratory report will provide reference ranges specific to their assay methodology—these are the most appropriate "normal values" for interpreting your results. 1